Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls junior league Rd 4
A Gold Coast Titans-signed halfback whiz kid starred as the Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls representative competitions hotted up around the state. Stories here.
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Souths Logan Harvey Norman under 17s halfback Lili Lewis scored 32 points on a drama charged day of Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls action.
Lewis, signed by the Titans for its NRLW development academy, scored four tries and kicked eight goals in her team’s 64-nil win over Wynnum Manly.
Lewis has been an eye-catching talent who has had tongues wagging for years around the Marsden SHS community - and now we know why.
She is quick between the ears, has a great short kicking game and delivers the ball before or at the line.
A 2023 Queensland schoolgirls representative, Lewis is the daughter of Aaron Lewis who many say was one of the top few schoolboy backs to come out of Marsden SHS.
Jump to your game: Seagulls v Magpies, Falcons v Clydesdales, Devils v Tigers, Capras v Cutters, Bulls v Jets, Pride v Blackhawks, Tweed v Redcliffe.
In other round four highlights:
+ Relna Hosea of the Tigers scored three tries in the Harvey 19s
+ LJ Nonu produced a defensive masterclass for the Dolphins Meninga Cup side
+ Lili Lewis starred in a brilliant team performance for Souths Logan’s 17s girls
+ Jake Carsburg scored a fabulous three tries for the Dolphins in the Connell Cup
+ Tweed’s halves Kaylee Booth and Torah Luadaka impressed in Tweed’s Harvey 17s win
+ In Harvey 19s Tweed super sub Natalia Hickling scored the winning try against Redcliffe
+ Jets’ halfback Tiger Campbell made a brilliant return in the Connell Cup. More on his first class performance later on.
+ Joey Litidamu and Shaun Elara were dynamic in the Clydesdales Connell Cup win over the Falcons.
+Sunshine Coast lock Takoda Thompson in a captain’s knock against the Clydesdales.
Tweed Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins
Harvey under-17s
The Veronica White coached Tweed Seagulls soared to a final round victory, beating the Dolphins 26-10 at Tugun RLFC.
Tweed took a 20-0 lead after 23 minutes and never looked back, despite the Dolphins finding their mojo in the second half and finishing the year on a positive note.
The difference in the first half was Tweed halfback Torah Luadaka who scored the first try with a dash to the line. She set up the second try, Luadaka’s left to right pass putting in fullback Natalia Hickling.
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SPEED DEMONS REVEALED ACROSS ALL FOUR COMPS
Luadaka was then involved in the third try, the headgeared No. 7 throwing a brilliant cut out pass over defenders to Hickling, who got away a nice offload to put centre Chelsea Coleman over.
Aatiyah Kelly scored Tweed’s fourth and then Alyce Tago their fifth and final in the 35th minute.
In the second half, Redcliffe turned things around to score two quality tries and finish the year fighting.
Prop Harmony Harris was involved in both, setting up the first try with a line break and offload and then scoring the second on the siren with a strong carry.
Centre Sitara English assisted on the Maddison Russell try made possible by that impressive Harris linebreak.
Harris was a real standout. Around her, fullback Shar-Lene Nati came to life in the second half as did centre Layla Satui, prop Luisa Olomalii and lock Tia Molo, among others.
Tweed’s halves Kaylee Booth, who kicked well all game, and Luadaka, spearheaded Tweed who had players perform well across the board.
Coach Veronica White praised her halves organisation, along with the impressive middle forward Saskia Croyston who made inroads after a short spell on the bench.
She had strong runs, and matched that with big defensive hits.
Redcliffe’s best came from centre Layla Satui, fullback Sharlene Nati, No.13 Tia Molo and prop Luisa Olomali’i.
Harvey under-19s
Tweed supersub Natalia Hickling scored a dashing go-ahead try late in the game to turn a 12-8 deficit into a 14-12 victory which broke the hearts of an exceptional Redcliffe outfit.
The Dolphins were the better side, but Hickling’s 75m effort to score with a little over 10 minutes left was the match-defining moment where Tweed miraculously snatched victory.
Hickling’s sister Savannah added the extras from in front to move ahead by two and task Redcliffe with mission impossible. The visiting Dolphins tried hard to muster up some magic after leading both teams with possession, field territory, offloads and metres made in the contest.
And despite some incredible lines ran by Kiana Henare, Reegan Hicks, Mya Sautia, Vyeisha Tuua and Armani-lea Auvae, Redcliffe were unable to hit-back.
To the Seagulls credit, their defence was enormous from start to finish. Leading the charge was Sienna Smith and Lana Makin who were outstanding.
Redcliffe had all the ball, but only managed three tries. Tweed were tireless, combating punches thrown by centre Hicks and second rower Tuua, two players who were simply incredible on the day.
The pair of them took carry after carry hard and fast into the teeth of Tweed’s defence. Tuua in particular had her best game of the season despite missing the middle portion of the game.
In the first half, Redcliffe’s River Hicks and hardworking hooker Raewyn Olomalii scored the opening two tries of the game before Tweed responded with two of their own just shy of half time.
Five-eighth Savannah Roberts-Hickling set up the first scored by fullback Shanarlii Peckham with a looping ball which mirrored a slam-dunk allyoop in basketball. For the side’s second try in six minutes, winger Gabrielle To’o did well to ground a deft grubber kick. The scores were level at 8-all.
Into the second half, determined goal line defence from Tweed denied Redcliffe on more than one occasion. But finally, with 18 minutes left in the game, Redcliffe winger Amy Bird burrowed her way over to recapture the lead, 12-8.
But then with 12 minutes to play, Hickling, with some magic off the bench, spotted a gap and burst through to score an epic try.
Tweed, with its backs on the wall, then fearlessly defended for the rest of the contest to deny Redcliffe a fourth try or even a penalty goal.
Redcliffe coach Jason Goulding praised the work of forwards Hicks and Tuua, as well as ball-playing lock Kiera Rangi and Bernadette Papani, but predictably he was disappointed.
Goulding said his side was a bit eager to pull the trigger on the edge plays which led to making stuff up on the run. In turn, Tweed were able to capitalize.
“You can’t give Tweed an inch or they will take 100 metres and we knew that,” he said.
“We went away from our strengths and what was working for us.”
Tweed coach Anthony Swain said it came down to his team “turning up for each other”.
“We lost both centres today but once we contained their forwards we were able to get in the grind and turn the tables in our favour.”
Swain loved how his side grinded for the win, and also adapted to losing Ava Swain early to a cheekbone injury.
“We had to shuffle things around but we were still able to adapt,” he said.
Connell Cup
Redcliffe centre Jake Carsburg bagged a first half hattrick as the Dolphins produced a stunning 34-12 victory over home side Tweed.
Carsburg scored two tries in the first 12 minutes then scored a beauty, his team’s fourth try (30th minute), to push his side ahead 16-0.
Noah Fien was fantastic orchestrating the Dolphins backline moves from halfback.
Meanwhile forwards Charlie Dickson and Brian Pouniu outworked their rivals to score a convincing victory in the scorching heat.
The Dolphins scored three more tries in the second half to take their tally to seven (Carsburg 3, Fien, Dickson, Pouniu, Welfare).
“It was a whole team effort today, we were good from 1-17. It was a really big improvement on where we’ve been,’’ said coach Larry Dickson.
Tweed centre Santino Pekepo-Tevaga flexed his muscles scoring a try with 13 minutes left on the clock, his team’s first after forward passes and knock-ons plagued their first half.
Tweed coach Neil Richards said his team’s mantra was trying to do the one per cent plays well, but unfortunately little things let the group down today - like discipline, forward passes.
“They were happening way too regularly,’’ Richards said.
However, he praised the effort of several players, including Santino Pekepo-Tevaga, Harvey Smith, Jack White and Josiah Fa’aoso in his first game back.
FANTASTIC FIEN
Dolphins halfback Noah Fien was to the fore of his team’s dominant first half showing.
He was involved in Carsburg’s first two tries before scoring what was the try of the day - before Carsburg’s third try.
In the space of 25 minutes Fien had two try assists and a try to his name. He continued to play a mistake-free game which saw Redcliffe home.
CARSBURG CASHES IN
Local junior Carsburg ran in three tries before the half. The first was courtesy of a Henry Sologinkin offload and quick hands from Fien and second rower Dean Griffin. The second try scoring passage saw touches from Fien and fullback Mereki Warradoo.
His third was out of this world.
Five-eighth Carter Welfare put in an accurate kick from left field to right field which was plucked out of mid-air by Carsburg and slammed down.
It was a special kick and a special catch to execute, this play superseding the brilliance of the previous try where the telepathic trio of Brian Pouniu, Warradoo and Fien combined down the left edge to score a beauty.
MAKA’AFI MAGIC
It wasn’t Tweed’s day but big second rower Nelson Maka’afi had himself a moment of brilliance to score his team’s second try.
Following a similar effort by his powerful centre Pekepo-Tevaga to out-muscle his defender, Maka’afi wound up from 10m out, bumped off his opponent with pure strength and crashed over for a four-pointer.
Redcliffe’s Carter Welfare got one back to settle the scores at 34-12 with a lovely show-and-go near the line.
Meninga Cup
The Redcliffe Dolphins escaped Tugun RLFC with one point following their nailbiting 22-all draw with the Tweed Seagulls.
Tweed halfback Zane Harrison had a penalty goal 20m in from the touchline to win the game but the wind took it left.
It was a high-quality match which began with a try from Tweed rake Jack Hudson and saw the return of John Fineanganofo who scored two tries with quick-thinking scoots from dummy-half.
Mason Barber also bagged a double for the home side, the rangy fullback impressing yet again.
Even Redcliffe coach Scott Tronc said “their fullback Barber can play … he has a couple gears to him and he’s tall as well”.
“We were pretty scrappy today,” Tronc said of the performance.
“At the end of the day we hung in there, you just make your own luck by hanging in there.
“I am happy to go down there and come away with a point. They are a good club and always attacking.”
Tronc noted that players are still getting used to playing together, and combinations are still being tested. He said it was a work in progress.
Patrick Kailahi was top notch for Tronc, as was fullback LJ Nonu who put on a defensive masterclass, a masterclass highlighted late in the game when he made a trysaving tackle on Barber who was charging towards the tryline.
The Harrison brothers Isaac and Zane, Ryder Williams, and Joshua Donovan were strong for Tweed, who came back from a 22-6 deficit.
Northern Pride v Townsville Blackhawks
Harvey under-17s
The Northern Pride scored 34 points, but it was the team’s defence late in the first half which consolidated the team’s pursuit of a local derby win against Blackhawks in a Barlow Park steam box.
Played in oppressive conditions, Pride defended a 16-nil lead, turning the Blackhawks away time and again in the second part of the first half.
Not even the subterfuge of the Blackhawks’ clever five-eighth Brooke Kira could fool the tenacious Pride defenders, which included Ingham’s right winger Kieesha Sailor who was called upon to make a try saving tackle.
All this after Pride had shocked Blackhawks with the ball, scoring after just three minutes when fullback Jordana Woods strode over.
After some to-and-fro between the sides, Pride strengthened its grip on the contest when No. 13 Lisa Waireg and left edge forward Elishama Suavai scored.
Suavai’s power running on the edge of the ruck proved too much.
In the tropical heat all the Pride forwards stood up, but for a big, power prop, Mary-Sha Mairu carried strongly and held her position in defence.
It was Mairu’s charge and pass which kept play alive for quick stepping No.6 Jaeda Morato to score.
Pride won well, but Blackhawks tried hard, with captain Jakaia-Lee Collett setting an example with a ball-dislodging tackle on Pride battleship Suavai.
It was nice to see Townsville play out the match and score late courtesy of Taylar Viero.
No.13 Lisa Waireg led the way for Pride, and the final score was 34-6.
Blackhawks coach Rebecca Petersen said despite the loss “when we did have control of the ball we looked good’’.
“But as soon as we did something good it followed with an error.’’
Again edge forward Collett was great for Townsville, while No.13 Evoltia Taula had some strong runs.
Winger Siena Tabacchi also produced a great performance.
Harvey under-19s
Where first you don’t succeed, then try, try again. And so it was the case for Blackhawks forward leader Lhylla Williamson who scored two first-half tries in her team’s 50-nil win over the Pride.
During the first half the impressive second rower was denied a try on the line, only to force her way over two tackles later - and then score again close to halftime.
The key to Townsville’s win was its first half ball control - and its defence.
In the heat it would have been more fun with the ball than without it, and the Blackhawks’ players showed respect for possession.
“We set a goal to keep our defensive attitude and we achieved that,’’ said Blackhawks’ coach Rod Hall.
“It was a disrupted week where we only trained once so it was a good performance ahead of a big road trip coming up against Mackay.’’
It was a build-up of pressure by Blackhawks which led to a nice sweeping movement across the face of the tryline to winger Ashlyn Hoey who scored.
Blackhawks then found a more direct way to the tryline - and it was straight running prop Easther Mikaele who put her head down and crashed over.
Under a baking sun, as fatigue set in as Townsville interchange dummy half Logan Roncato challenged Pride with her runs, while the Blackhawks’ back division successfully ran from dummy half with great effect.
It was off the back of those urgent dummy half runs that Blackhawks halfback Jairel-Ellen Martin-Savage was given a license to run to the line, unloading to powerhouse back rower Williamson who scored again.
The Blackhawks’ shared the conversion kicks around, with Hannah De Daunton,
Vanessa Scarborough and Eadie Baxter all converting.
Blackhawks coach Rob Hall said his No. 13 Thalia Clarke was outstanding while centre Brandy Yallop was heavily involved.
Pride were spearheaded by fullback Tomiko Hirakawa in the second line of defence, five-eighth Layla Geck for her control, and Teehsa Potts (halfback) and Kimberly Bryant (hooker).
Connell Cup
Townsville Blackhawks overcame the shock send off of centre Cohen Dittmann to get past northern rivals Pride 32-10 at Barlow Park.
Dittmann’s first half dismissal for a lifting tackle would have caught most people by surprise, none more so than Dittmann.
A few years ago Dittmann would have been complemented for a good driving tackle, but in the modern era it was a penalty, no doubt about it. But a send off?
The decision would have caused debate around the pubs and taverns of northern Queensland - that is for sure.
“Well done to the Hawks for playing with 12 men,’’ praised Pride coach Kris O’Farrell.
Before Dittmann reached his marching orders, his team scored first when impressive hooker Cooper Cox crossed.
The Blackhawks would have been knocked a bit off course following Dittmann’s dismissal, but they still put together a potent left edge assault which resulted in second rower Taakoi Benioni putting his winger Dylan Gourley over in the corner.
With Dittmann off the field, winger Gourley had to work extra hard taking rucks or running from dummy half coming out of his own end as well, because Dittmann’s big body would have been missed in those circumstances.
Taakoi Benioni also rose to the occasion, with a left edge performance garnished by two second half tries.
“He was damaging out wide,’’ said coach Nathan Blackhawks coach Norford.
“And Cooper Cox (hooker) was solid in the middle, with his work rate and two sneaky tries.’’
Pride coach Kris O’Farrell said silly errors and a lack of discipline cost his side.
Pride’s best were hooker Ben Walker, lock Cayde Miller and prop Cooper Meares who rolled his sleeves up.
Jack Turner off the bench also added some impact to the Pride side.
Meninga Cup
There was a good old fashioned donnybrook at Barlow Park where two great rivals - Townsville and Cairns - came together.
The Blackhawks won the clash 18-10, inching their way ahead of the Northern Pride after the home side had led late in the match.
A try in the 62nd minute to Townsville’s Wil Hope raised the Blackhawks to safety, but boy oh boy it took some effort to rid them of Pride’s challenge.
“I liked how we hung in there and played tough in very hot conditions,’’ said Blackhawks’ coach Luke Harlen.
“They are playing for each other which is pleasing to see.’’
Best for the Townsville-based side were No.13 Lozanzo Fono, prop Ashden Lafferty, second rower Kanye Pua’avase, second rower Colby Thomson and halfback Lachlan Erba.
CQ Capras v Mackay Cutters
Harvey under-17s
Zoe Robson scored three tries as the Capras rattled up a 36-nil win over the Cutters.
The Cathedral College fullback feasted off the back of her team’s forward effort.
Two came within the space of four minutes midway through the second half at a time when Capras’ momentum was getting the better of the spirited Cutters defenders.
It was a nice way to finish off the short, historic 17 years season, with the Capras stringing together eight tries.
Capras coach Nikki Carpenter said her team’s connection in attack and defence shone. “The fact that we won and finished on a high showed everything we had been working toward paid of.’’
Half Caydence Fouracre starred alongside Macey Evans, while fullback Robson, Alex Bukowski, Channelle Williams and Madeline Johnson had strong games for the Capras.
Not surprisingly the Cutters were spearheaded by Ebony Temple.
Harvey under-19s
Mackay Harvey 19s coach Matt Sanders said it was a scrappy game in really hot conditions, but he was relieved to win 18-4.
“Our defence got us over the line again, and I was really pleased with the buy in and effort there,” he said.
The Cutters were best served by captain Mersades Lawson while centre Jen Kimber was great as well.
The Capras actually scored first courtesy of Tahlia Shuker, and it took representative hooker Paityne Johns to get her Cutters on the board.
Around their defence, Cutters kept at it, kept and it and in the end held enough ball to score three more tries - by La Naliah Hine, Lawson and La Naliah Hine.
Connell Cup
It was a try feast at Browne Park this afternoon as the home side Capras got past their rivals Mackay Cutters in an 11 try local derby.
Capras won the shootout 34-24, with Mason Broadhurst and Zac Bateman’s boot putting space between the two teams late in the match.
Either side could have won it after the Capras stormed out of the blocks, scoring four of the opening five tries.
Ultimately Capras were led to victory by props Henry Kallquist and Parker Gallagher, while hooker Jay Marsh and No. 13 Jake Oberhardt were up to their old tricks.
But Mackay were never going to go away, and then Toby Woodall crossed midway through the second half. The match was in the balance.
What helped Capras claim the match was the goal kicking of hard working forward Zac Bateman who converted five tries.
He only started kicking last year for The Cathedral College and, according to coach Carpenter, “his boot made the scoreboard look more flattering to us than it was’’.
Carpenter said consistency was the area his team needed to improve most.
“We can look really good in patches and then really drop our standards in others.
“But if we can string it together more for longer periods, we will be hard to beat.’’
Cutters coach David Roberts said he was disappointed to see too much ball dropped despite the heat. “But we were good in patches,’’ he said.
Best for the Cutters were Toby Woodall and George Gofton.
Meninga Cup
The Cutters forwards got off to a flyer in Rockhampton and did not let their foot off the gas.
Mackay won 44-12 after Mutua Brown’s second minute score began proceedings.
Mackay’s middle men launched themselves into the fray, and off the back of their forward effort hooker Xavier Kerrisk was able to feed his halves swiftly and with precision.
Jaxon Purdue organised his runners nicely around him, and when it was all said and done, the Cutters scored nine tries to the Capras two.
Brown, Hunter Harris, Tavita Penaia Te’o, Jaxon Purdue, Xavier Kerrisk, Travis Larner, Luka Russell and Ethan Van Kerkwyk all crossed.
For the Capras, Braith Smith and Braelan Marsh scored tries.
The Cutters had a strong start, iced by prop Tavita Penaia Te’o’s leg drive and strength carrying the ball.
It was one such raid by Penaia Te’o that gave Cutters the momentum to shift to the right where the pace of Mutua Brown could not be contained. Brown slid over in the corner.
“We we won the little moments,’’ said Mackay coach Andy Battaia.
“We had a plan to win the grind and control field position and play the game down their end.
“We also had a smart kicking game by our two halves (Purdue and Van Kerkwyk).”
Battaia said in defence “we were good at winning the contact and staying heavy in the tackle’’.
He also praised his half Van Kerkwyk in his first game top grade game of the season and was pleased to see him score.
Fullback Brown was thrilling while interchange forward Brandon Roberts gave some punch off the bench with his speed.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Souths Logan Magpies
Harvey under-17s
Souths Logan halfback Lili Lewis scored 32 points (four tries and eight conversions), but it was the team performance which most pleased coach Matt Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald said some key players in his squad overcame illness to help the side advertise the club would be a “force to be reckoned with’’ in the women’s space in the seasons ahead.
“The future at Souths is bright,’’ Fitzgerald said.
“The girls over the last 16 weeks have all gone to another level and should be proud.’’
Fitzgerald said Lewis was a class act and showed again why she was the “best upcoming half’’.
“Mele Misa would be pushing for Queensland school selection off the back of the Harvey Norman season, while Sienna Trew showed every week why she was one of the best prospects in the 17s.’’
Fitzgerald also praised Amanii Misa who, he said, was “well on the way to NRLW and the Broncos should be excited’’.
Fullback Janique Mili, second rower Kaylani Tavita and centre Bella Alo were also among the Magpies’ best today.
Harvey under-19s
In Logan, the Magpies and Seagulls drew 18-all and each came away with one point, which Wynnum Manly coach Steve Casey said was a just result.
“18-all is fitting. I don’t think we played well enough to win that,” he concluded.
“It’s where we are at with our efforts.”
Wynnum Manly had an opportunity to win the game however, as was the theme for much of the game, completing sets were their downfall.
Casey was proud of the effort shown by his side, which unearthed five under 17s players who backed up from a game earlier in the day.
“Girls played out of position… Mariah Brown (usually a centre) played at five eighth and she was great.
“Charlotte Wells and Hayley Bush were both coming off being unwell.
“All three put great effort in today.
“There were moments of really good footy.”
Hayley Bush and Caitlin Tanner (two tries) scored the points for the visitors while Layla Amaru (two tries), Te Rina Pearse and Hinemaia Te Pou scored for the home side Souths Logan.
“Our job is to get out there and fight for it,” Casey said ahead of the final rounds of the season.
Souths Logan coach Warren Bernardin was pleased with the manner in which his side “hung in’’.
“We had a better attitude in defence and attack,’’ he said.
Powerful prop Ma’u Halatoa ploughed through 60 minutes, No.13 Tusitina Fale was strong in her first game back, while Layla Amaru scored was damaging and fullback Angel Austin put her body on the line.
Connell Cup
Souths Logan Magpies displayed great resolve to wear down Wynnum Manly in a grand under 17s match at Logan Metro.
The Souths forwards, including Mace Andrew and Fa’apale Feaunati, worked hard in the middle, while the team’s edge players and outside backs like Joseph Tupuse and Siosaia Poese had too much strike for their opponents.
Wynnum challenged hard for long periods, with Seagulls hooker Ezekiel Jones absolutely outstanding carrying the ball.
Indeed Agapetos Lote-Felo opened the scoring for Wynnum off the back of a series of quick play the balls which had allowed Jones to play an up-tempo game.
However, Souths remained composed, with a beautiful backline play seeing halves Tom Parker and Justus Lowndes interchange passes, creating space on the far right wing where Siosaia Poese crossed.
Souths Logan then improved its position early in the second half with prop Fa’apale Feaunati deservedly crossed to score. Feaunati is a real captain courageous, who leads with his actions.
Andrew also had a powerful middle forward game in defence.
Meninga Cup
Wynnum Manly’s forward power proved unstoppable late today as the Seagulls pack revved up in its clash against Souths Logan at Metro Sports.
Wynnum won 36-16, and it all started up front.
Middle men Beni Allen, Zane Ford, Cooper Day and co played at speed, rising from the contact quickly to give young gun hooker Cameron Bukowski early ball to feed the next ruck or his halves.
Souths Logan tried hard, but they could not slow the ruck which enabled Wynnum to build momentum.
Harry Armstrong and Beni Allen benefitted from such momentum, while Cooper Day crashed over after being brought back on the inside by his hooker Bukowski.
Bukowski was then Johnny on the spot to score his team’s fourth try and Souths Logan desperately needed the halftime hooter - along with the try Lesayne Tuiasau scored right on the break.
Bukowski naturally had a ready made combination with his clever half Larry Clark.
The boys played alongside each other in school rugby at Villanova College, and Clark certainly played his role in the win.
Clark expressed himself and you could see his natural ball skills and vision.
Tuiasau ran off Mou Taumaletila-Maulolo who refused to die with the ball during heavy hand to hand combat on the tryline.
It was a great second effort by Taumaletila-Maulolo to generate a try from nothing and give his side some hope. Wynnum led 22-6 at halftime.
Norths Devils v Brisbane Tigers
Harvey under-17s
Three of the competition’s best players delivered when they were needed most as the Brisbane Tigers claimed an exciting 22-10 win over Norths in physical clash.
Tigers prop Porche John, and elite hooker Enah Desic scored two tries in four minutes to turn a tense tussle into a slightly more comfortable 10 point win.
Around them halfback Kameryn Bray guided her side around the paddock.
This was a clash between two outstanding groups of young female players and we can’t wait to see them again next season in this competition, or playing under 19s.
John is one of the most effective props in the competition while Desic is quick in the mind, and in the legs. She is arguably the best hooker in the competition.
There are many others emerging both in the Tigers ranks and in the Norths ranks, such as Easter Taualai, Memphis Tanielu, Paige Stagg and co.
Today, after the Tigers had leapt from their cage with two tries, Eva Steers’ try ensured spectators would be getting value for money.
Although John extended the Tigers lead later in the half, it was a false dawn as Norths Jessica Jahnke narrowed the margin.
It was edge of the seat stuff.
Then came late tries to John and Desic and the match was won.
“We completed at 30 per cent in the first half and were only down by six, so I am happy with the second half,’’ said Norths coach Kristan Freed.
“It shows the class of player in our squad - completed at 70 per cent and just going down with 11 on the field and no reserves.
“It (the second half) was a great way to finish.’’
Aside from John, Bray and Desic, Tigers Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell, Orianna Clark and Sky-yvette Faimalie battled hard in a physical game.
Harvey under-19s
The Tigers clawed the Devils 42-4 in a rollicking eight try showing at Langlands Park.
Players all across the board stood tall for the Tigers who overwhelmed Norths with its powerful forward pack.
To Norths’ credit they kept fighting until the final siren when forcing a dropout with a great kick and even better chase.
A try to Syklahparadise Heke in the 60th minute was a just reward for the gutsy work of middle forwards Ally Ramsay, Haraliza Ilau, Sienna Twigg and Yasmin Toa toa as well as halfback Kaea Daniels-Harris.
But who can tame the Tigers this year? They showed on Saturday that a forward pack of Alice Shannon, Shaylee Joseph, Kayleen Takai, Patricia Wani and Tiresa Elika is close to unstoppable.
Especially when aided by bench players Lishainah Ulugia and Hunny Taingahue.
Elika scored one and was damaging with her carries throughout the contest, while centre Relna Hosea added three more tries to her tally.
The goalkicking of Leilani Tuqiri was also a positive for the Tigers, the five-eighth converting five-from-seven.
Connell Cup
The Norths Devils were on a roll and they kept the momentum going this Saturday with a clinical 30-8 win over the Tigers, at Tigerland.
Timahna Tandy had his hands all over this one. He kicked five-from-five off the tee, had a try assist and scored one himself.
Angus Tagicakibau (winger) scored two tries for Norths, finishing off plays created by Tandy and Keyarn Pene.
Fynn Dalton and Lincoln Dalton scored the other two tries for the visitors, the brilliant brothers building on their strong early season form.
Jahzayis Perenara-Livapulu and winger Ryder Koia crossed for the Tigers who were led by tireless skipper Max Blanch.
Blanch ran himself to a standstill yet again.
Meninga Cup
The Norths Devils produced a first half masterclass to mount a 24-nil lead and in the process place a down payment on a 42-6 victory over the Tigers.
With a high completion rate as a foundation, Norths were relentless, with strong forward running and swift dummy half sorties sending the Tigers reeling back down the field.
Around that the Norths’ halves such as Jahrell Iselin Jensen were able to play with freedom behind a brave, but back peddling Tigers line.
The Tigers just could not get the ball in this period and Norths took full advantage of a glut of possession.
When the Tigers did get possession, Norths defended well to let in just one try.
“It was really hard to separate the boys tonight (for best player) as they were really good,’’ said Norths coach Shannon Tupara.
Norths’ pace was evident in the second minute when winger Adam Khan blasted over, and later in the half when Brandon Norris produced a brilliant 50m individual burst to score.
Around the forwards and the halves, No.13 Lauloto Salei mixed up his game nicely.
Finally, late in the half, the Tigers had some ball and were able to mount pressure, but the Norths’ defensive line remained well organised and composed.
While Norths scored points, their defence also went the distance.
On three occasions classy Tigers centre Will Quinn breached the first line, including twice when he gave his winger Vantayvius Peo half chances.
However, Norths winger Adamson and centre Emerson Jackson both scrambled to prevent tries.
Regardless, there were bright patches and Quinn certainly enhanced his reputation against quality opposition.
Two of Norths’ most potent attacking weapons, winger Khan and halfback and Jahrel Iselin-Jansen, both scored in the second half to quell the Tigers mini revival.
The flood gates opened when Maddox Goodwin threw a dummy and dived over.
Norths half Iselin Jensen, with his control, and reliable No.13 Salei were both tremendous in a strong team performance.
Wide Bay Bulls v Ipswich Jets
Harvey under-17s
The Ipswich Jets pushed past a fighting Bulls outfit 34-4 on a beautiful morning in Bundaberg.
The Jets scored three early tries - courtesy of Mieke Moata’ane, Emilee George and Ruby Vayro - but did not have it all their own way.
The Bulls’ youngsters put up a grand fight, no doubt encouraged by Mackenzie Pitchford crossing to reduce the margin.
But into the second half, Ipswich gained the upper hand and mounting field position led to tries by Emily Jackwitz, Tenapau Naawi and Emilee George.
Ipswich’s other try scorer was Emalini Waqairatu.
Harvey under-19s
Springfield junior Vaitafao-Gisele Masun-Feleti scored three tries while Zebadiah Latu Mulumulu scored 16 points as the Ipswich Jets launched to a 58-8 win over the Wide Bay Bulls.
Latu Mulumulu scored two tries and kicked four conversions as Ipswich finished with a flourish against a Wide Bay side that tried so hard to hang on.
Off the back of her forwards, dummy half Masun-Feleti feasted with three first half tries.
The Bulls were down but not out at halftime, and rallied when Tumua Teofilo twice crossed in the second half.
But the Jets restarted its engines and soared to victory.
“We played direct which allowed us opportunities to find space,’’ explained Jets coach Michael Wardrop.
Hooker Gisele was dangerous in space, Luciah and Zabadiah had strong carries while Ariana Henderson was always looking to create for Ipswich.
Connell Cup
The Ipswich Jets dazzled in a superb second half display which turned a 18-12 half time advantage into a 58-12 triumph over Wide Bay.
Wide Bay fought exceptionally hard in the first half and took the Jets away from their game plan but a direct message from Jets head coach Jye Tuaimau-Gadsdon at the break primed the Jets boys to come out and turn up in a second half surge.
The Jets turned up indeed, the visitors running in 40 points to get back into the winners column after a tight loss last week against the Sunshine Coast.
Barnstorming prop Xzavier Timoteo scored two, winger Conrad Browne two, halfback Tiger Campbell two and centre Ioane Tiatia two in an 11 tries to one success.
“We just needed to run hard and complete sets,” coach Tuaimau-Gadsdon said of the half time message.
“The first half we tried to play our hand too much.
“I’ve been saying …. Every try we score doesn’t have to be an NRL highlight reel stuff.”
There were seven changes to Tuaimau-Gadsdon’s side after last week but most notably was the return of Tiger Campbell who missed the first two games due to suspension.
“That’s the strength of our squad,” Tuaimau-Gadsdon said about the depth of the team.
“The hope is that our No. 30 player is not too far away in regards to skill and development to our No. 1 player.”
He said Campbell, the Norths Tigers junior, showed that he was the first choice halfback with a brilliant all-round game which included a forty-twenty, a double and at least five try involvements.
“He came back after two weeks off and was really dominant in the second half,” Tuaimau-Gadsdon said.
Underaged players Taupale Sauaso, Harry Vidler and Tanielu Tuu’u also impressed in a game where prop Timoteo tore his opponents to shreds with his kick-off returns.
“He came back with a renewed sort of energy to put Ipswich on the map,” Tuaimau-Gadsdon of how Timoteo returned from representing the Bulldogs Harold Matthews side.
Redbank Plains junior Sauaso, an Ipswich SHS student, also earned the praise of Tuaimau-Gadsdon following a classy kicking game that put Ipswich in the right spots on the field.
Harrison Braithwaite and Tito Bligh crossed for Wide Bay in the first half.
Meninga Cup
Ipswich Jets coach Ingebrigtsen has praised the defence of his side which brought up a 66-6 victory over the Wide Bay Bulls on Saturday.
For the second week in a row the Jets’ players received a tick of approval from their coach for the defensive net formulated around opponents.
“If we keep getting that right, we will win plenty of games,’’ Ingebrigtsen said.
“We scored 66 points, but the defence stood up for the second game in a row. It has been a focus.’’
Five-eight Keaton Stutt impressed his coach with his performance, while winger Jeriah Vagana-Malaitai was a handful carrying the ball.
There was early resistance by the Bulls, but Dominique Sandow and Jeriah Vagana-Malaitai scored two tries within the space of three minutes to get their team’s defence rolling.
SUNDAY GAMES
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Western Clydesdales
Harvey under-17s
A new wave of rugby league talent is now sweeping across the Darling Downs after the Clydesdales’ Harvey Norman under 17s finished the season on a high against the Falcons.
The Clydesdales 24-4 win featured one of the tries of the weekend which was scored by electric Clydesdales’ fullback Mia Byrnes who surged down the middle in support of Tayla Horrobin after Leteena Medland’s bumping left edge raid saw her unload in a tackle.
It was a golden try covering 60m.
What a trio Horrobin, Medland and Pypah Ferguson are as a back row for the Clydesdales, and with halfback Aaliyah Murray pulling the strings, we can’t wait to see these girls progress again next season.
The Clydesdales had several near misses in the opening 15 minutes before centre Ella Hollis crashed through what had been rock solid right edge defence offered by the Falcons.
Creating a series of half chances, the Clydesdales looked the better side early and it was no surprise they extended their lead to 12-nil when in form right second rower Horrobin scored.
But the Falcons surged back in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
The Falcons were ignited by their busy No.9 Emily Maher while captain and prop Makayla Elliott was in everything before coming off.
It was Maher who sparked her team’s first try when she opted for a blindside raid that saw the ball go through the hands of impressive prop Lucy Sammut and Mackenzie Cassar, ending in the hands of winger Tahlee Donald who crossed.
It was a much needed try after the Clydesdales had led 12-nil.
Even down 18-4 in the second half, the flame flickered for the Falcons, but a sparkling right edge movement saw Toowoomba’s Lille Merlow march away for a long distance try.
Another headgear clad Clydesdales’ player, hooker Ava Mitchell, was impressive, while starting props Shyanna-cee Crittle and Poppy Gibbons did their jobs.
The Falcons No.13 Marley Chan was creative and hooker Maher full of energy.
Harvey under-19s
The Clydesdales made it three wins in a row over the Falcons with the club’s under-19s side surging home to defeat the Falcons 36-12.
The Clydesdales were in front the entire game and scored two brilliant tries in the final five minutes to put the icing on the cake.
Mikeely Scott and Maddison Riley scored those two after Mackenzie Zeller, Eliza Morcom, Jessica Fitzgibbons, Sumaya Haidari and Maddison Riley had crossed earlier in the game.
Takoda Thompson (two tries) scored the points for the Falcons, her second try a stellar solo effort where she ran 65m downfield.
Mackenzie Zeller was at her best for the visitors, impacting the game on both sides of the ball.
The Sunshine Coast’s best by a country mile was captain and No.13 Takoda Thompson, while second rower Shannyn Harm also played well for the Falcons.
Connell Cup
The Clydesdales were clinical in their 32-22 victory over the Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors led the entire way and whenever the Falcons threatened to bridge the gap, a player would stand up and deliver a scoring play to keep the home side away.
It was hard to miss the work of centre Joey Litidamu and lock Shaun Elara who gave their side a massive boost with their dynamic ball running.
But it was a convincing team effort across the board which captured victory, fullback Lachlan McGrath making his mark in the clash.
Jackson Winnett (two tries) Elara (two tries), Riley Zanette and Litidamu crossed for the visitors while hot-stepping half Keagan Zanchetta, winger Kalan Beattie, centre Nate Thompson and dangerous fullback Toby Irvine scored for the home side.
“I thought we defended pretty well when we had a player sin binned,” Clydesdales coach Ned Murphy praised.
“We got the ball to our stike payers in a good position.”
Meninga Cup
Explosive Clydesdales centre Jiale Litidamu was a hero as his side snatched a remarkable late victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons, 20-18.
The right centre scored an opportunist try three minutes from the end when the Coast lost possession coming off their tryline.
Bailey Rathmell of the Clydesdales scooped up the ball, and passed to Litidamu whose power and pace carried him 18m for the winner.
Just seconds earlier he had also made a break down the sideline, and in a tight match featuring a momentumenal forward battle, Litidamu provided the x-factor.
Just minutes earlier the Sunshine Coast looked to have won it when Beerwah junior, mountain man Jackson Kite, thundered over to put his side in front for the first time.
Down 10-nil and 16-6, the Sunshine Coast refused to go away, and an epic forward battle unfolded between the packs.
The Coast looked to have won the tug-of-war, until a loose carry saw the ball in Litidamu’ hands just when all seemed lost for the Clydesdales.
Although he attended school at the Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Litidamu is a Toowoomba product who played for the Souths club.
“I thought we defended pretty tough but still made way too many errors again which nearly cost us,’’ said Clydesdales coach Gus McKellar.
“We have ahd three pretty tough road trips so to be two from three is a pass mark.’’
Sunshine Coast coach Cam Boaza said after a poor start his side did well to pull themselves together and be in a position to win the game.
“But fatigue and a crucial missed tackle hurt us and they scored late,’’ he said.
“We take a lot fgrom it because we did some good things and when we held the ball for back to back setswe had some good looks at scoring opportunities.’’
In the first 20 minutes the Clydesdales looked the better of the two sides early, with uptempo running and inside passes taking on the Sunshine Coast pack.
Chances were few and far between, but twice the Toowoomba-based side made the most of having attacking ball.
Once clever hooker Fletch Prendergast brilliantly created a try for his centre Luke Cesari, and on another occasion when Matthew Moore’s pass found a roving Aaron Hinch.
The Falcons lacked cohesion and fumbled some ball and a 10-nil scoreline reflected the flow of the game.
However, the Sunshine Coast got back to basics and with an even flow of possession, worked their way into the game.
Finally, close to halftime, edge forward Jaelym Hohaia crashed over running of his halfback James Marriott, and it was 10-6.
However, then came the Clydesdales’ stunning third try minutes from the break, scored by the dependable Jack Philp and the Clydesdales were back to a 10 point buffer.
The Falcons had to be the first to score - and they were when left edge powerhouse Tyrell Hopkins crashed over.
Centre Cesari was strong while hooker Prendergast led the middle well for the visitors.
Hopkins was fantastic for Sunshine Coast with his hurtful defence, while Joey Meikle was strong until being forced off injured.
Originally published as Meninga, Connell and Harvey girls junior league Rd 4
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